The art of Aromatherapy is the mixing of Essential oils to help multiply the beneficial effects of the oils, and reduce the negative side effects that some oils have. For instance many spice oils can have very beneficial effects in treating conditions such as Rheumatism and Arthritis, yet these oils can cause a toxic reaction with some people and some skin types. Thus by careful blending of oils the toxic side effects can be reduced, and in some cases, eliminated. Further the therapeutic effects of the oils can be increased by careful blending of oils. These blends are known a synergies.
However, Not all blends are Synergies. There is a misconception that all Essential Oil blends are Synergies, yet a synergie is a blend that has a therapeutic effect greater than the oils would have had individually.
Further by mixing the oils together it is possible to produce natural perfumes with the essential oils.
Also the the dilution of the oils plays an important part in the effect and effectiveness of an Essential oil or a blend. Yet as with much of Aromatherapy, the safe use of essential oils should always be considered. For most normal use a blend of 3% of Essential oils in carrier, should be the normal upper limit. As treatments are as individual as the person being treated, a blend may need to be adjusted to suit the individual.
For instance one person may see an effect from a blend diluted to 2% or 3% yet another may require a dilution of 5% or 6% to see the same effect.
In Aromatherapy there is a great emphasises upon the choice of the essential oils that are appropriate for a particular condition, yet the choice of carrier oil can play a very important part in the success of a treatment for that individual. The skin type, the condition and the choice of the Essential oils all play there part in successful blending.
© Ian Hunter 1998
HUNTER'S Hand Made